Could this Kickstarter project fill the void created by phones without microSD card slots?
Those of you who are disturbed by the trend among Android manufacturers to forgo microSD card slots in newer phones and tablets might be interested in a Kickstarter project that aims to solve this problem once and for all. A device that plugs into your device’s microUSB port, this little accessory can handle microSD cards up to 64GB, and you can use it to copy files between your microSD card and your phone or tablet.
So far, support is separated into three classes: class 1 is supported out of the box, with no rooting required; class 2 might need a third-party app in order to function properly; and class 3 needs a custom ROM to function properly, like CyanogenMod. Support classes have been confirmed on these device models:
- Class 1: Samsung Galaxy S II, Galaxy SIII, Note, Note 2, Motorola RAZR M, RAZR HD, RAZR MAXX HD, HTC One X+, EVO 4G LTE, DROID DNA, all tablets using RockChip and AllWinner chips, Sonicview N710
- Class 2: Galaxy Nexus, ASUS Nexus 7, Nexus 10
- Class 3: Nook Color, Kindle Fire (non-HD)
Obviously, this is not ideal for all situations: On most devices, you won’t be able to charge while using this, for example. Those who need a microSD card slot for the rooting and unlocking process are also out of luck. But, at the very least, this might solve the problem for some people who just need more storage.
(For a similar concept, check out my hands-on review of the FlixChip Muvifi.)
[Kickstarter] Thanks, Harry!
Good idea, but the execution basically kills it. No way you could ever keep the card in with day to day use, you’d have to remove it all the time.
I just want to add that I laughed at the “Pledge $2,048 or more” I was reading through going “oh, that’s cool, a lunch with the creator and.. oh, they don’t pay for anything but the lunch.. hmm, OH but a tour of the factory in China! wow, that…. oh, you have to pay for that separately as well. So, they pocket the $2,048 while you pay for the privilege?”
Sorry, to me, that part was a bit hard to swallow. All the other offerings per pledge bracket are reasonable though.
Basically the $2K gets you access and a translator (and lunch). They don’t usually let just anybody in to see a production line.
It’s two young men, I think they’re just being silly! It’s obvious no one really wants to pay to see the product in production/eat lunch with the creator. ;)
I actually considered writing a story about this, warning people to stay away. IMHO this is a very inefficient design, as it completely omits a USB port, even though it’s perfectly possible to implement one without sacrificing much on space.
Or you could just buy this:
http://dx.com/p/micro-usb-5-pin-male-to-usb-female-otg-adapter-black-2-pcs-169535
Slightly larger than necessary, but exists NOW and has more functionality
While bulkier and requiring more adapters. (a USB to MiniSD if you are going that route.) I can see it being far more usable. and it’s cheap as hell.
I like the idea of carrying around a USB flashdrive with stuff on it rather than another MiniSD somewhere.
Did you read my review of the FlixChip (linked at the end of the article)? That might be more your speed – it’s really lightweight and portable, and does everything over WiFi. Not quite as streamlined as this, though. Basically, nothing can replace a true microSD card slot, although there are some creative attempts.
Andreas, I’m with you this is just a OTG cable! something you don’t have to wait for!
While Andreas is correct.
I have always felt there is room for more products.
And this one seems cool. It is a problem I have not been able to solve on my current device with an OTG cable. I don’t expect this one would either. I have to wait for a new device, and I will make sure it can connect with a flash drive or external HD.
Of course an SD card should be mandatory if I had anything to say about it.
Let the reviewers and consumers weed out the junk. Know what you are buying, do your research. You get what you pay for..and all that BS.
Peace
My micro USB Pitt was a super right connecting at first. So right in fact that I couldn’t get the docking bay to attach correctly. Now it wiggles with the AC charger attached. Sanger issues with my OG Evo. I like the new lightning charger on the iPad mini. When is a better connection going to be implemented on Android?
Dang, slide text prediction sucked that time, huh?!
Buahahaha
Yeah I was wondering WTF happened to that comment :D
Give us freedom or give the phone death
We will not neel to the cloud ,we will not obey
Galaxy S3 already supports a micro sd, doesn’t it?
Galaxy S3 and S4 have and will have a micro SD but, i just HATE Touch Wiz interface. So this may get me thinking of the HTC One once again. Especially when it takes a 64bit card.
Somebody needs to make something similar to a WiFi SD card that doesn’t require a host power source. Something along the lines of Eye-Fi. It would communicate with your phone wirelessly so you could keep it in your pocket or bag.
Turns out Maxell already makes what I was describing! http://www.airstash.com/
Now people have less reason to complain about “NO SD SLOT”.
That was cool. But expensive.
Too expensive to solve an “Imaginary problem.”
But what I like is the group file sharing feature.
Store multiple entertainment files for the group in the car to access while on the road. Possibly cheaper than a “Pocket WiFi Hot Spot” subscription. And you choose the appropriate content yourself.
Thanks for the tip.
Peace
Good idea,No way you could ever keep the card in with day to day use, you’d have to remove it all the time.